Find the stolen laptop, get free beer for life

Given how widespread laptop loss is these days, every single company in the world should not only have a policy in place to prevent against it -these businesses should also have a plan for getting the device back.

The prize would amount to $19,500 in beer, which undoubtedly pales in comparison to the value of what was on the stolen machine.

But nobody's complaining. The co-owner reports that "plenty of people" have called, saying they're hot on the trail for the missing device.

If only every company who loses a laptop could offer such an incentive. Unfortunately not all can. I mean, what was the Department of Veterans Affairs going to offer that would really get the gumshoes in motion?

But I will say this, a lot can. Companies such as the Gap - who had a big breach last week - might say something like, "Hey, you find our laptop, we'll throw some V-neck sweaters your way."

Offering a reward may let criminals realize what their thievery has netted them, but at least it will let customers and employees know the company is doing something to get the data back.